A major controversy unfolded in West Bengal on 8 June following the release of three videos by the state BJP unit, showing “rivers of blood” flowing through the streets of Kolkata after the Eid-al-Adha festival. However, the West Bengal Cyber Crime Police quickly dismissed these claims, labeling the videos as “fake” and asserting that the footage actually originated from Bangladesh, not India. What added to the confusion was the fact that, instead of directly addressing the BJP’s videos, the cyber unit relied on unrelated images from Bangladesh circulated by some netizens to discredit the BJP’s allegations. This move sparked criticism, suggesting that the state machinery, which should remain impartial, was being used to spread misleading propaganda.
On 8 June 2025, the West Bengal BJP issued a statement on its official X account along with three videos, claiming, “Yes, this isn’t Dhaka, this is Kolkata. Right here in Chowringhee, Ward 44, the streets turned into rivers of blood. This shocking scene unfolded in the heart of the city on Eid, with no arrangements, no designated places, and absolutely no concern for public safety. People were forced to walk through blood-soaked roads, risking severe infections and diseases, all while the administration stood silent. This is the level to which Mamata Banerjee has gone to appease one specific community. In West Bengal, there seem to be no rules, no guidelines, and no accountability when it comes to this vote-bank. Public spaces are misused, the police stay mute spectators, and law and order vanish, just to protect her politics of appeasement. Is this the price the rest of Bengal must pay? It’s time to rise and throw away this anti-Bengal Sarkar. Mamata Banerjee has stopped being a democratic leader. She is now just a symbol of selective governance and dangerous silence.”
In immediate response, the West Bengal Cyber Crime Unit, tasked with curbing fake news, posted, “A disturbing image falsely linked to Kolkata post-Eid is actually from Dhaka, 2016, after Eid-ul-Adha and heavy rain. It has no connection to West Bengal.”
A disturbing image falsely linked to Kolkata post-Eid is actually from Dhaka, 2016, after Eid-ul-Adha and heavy rain. It has no connection to West Bengal.#factcheckthetruth#factcheck#Bangladesh#WestBengal pic.twitter.com/SVSPwxr748
— Fact Check : The Truth (@t20274) June 8, 2025
Yet, critics noted that the BJP’s videos could be verified as showing Sandal Street in Kolkata recognizable by the presence of yellow taxis, West Bengal vehicle number plates, and even the Indian tricolour or possibly the TMC party flag. Furthermore, Mamata Banerjee’s face appeared in the footage.
This discrepancy led netizens to mock the cyber police’s claim, sarcastically asking, “Is this Bangladesh? Is TMC now ruling Bangladesh?”
Hello @WBPolice, is this your verified cyber crime police? Because they are making mockery of police.
They claim that all the videos of Blood water in Kolkata are fake and are from Bangladesh-
Start with this – This video is from 1/1 Sandal Street. You can see yellow taxi, WB… https://t.co/8lcoX06MBB pic.twitter.com/TeAFOkBxMI
— Facts (@BefittingFacts) June 8, 2025
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